Veterans Court

Veterans Court

Written by: Hilary Creamer

Our judicial system is often thought of as a means to an end. A person is either prosecuted or they are not. But what if the system could be a means to a new beginning? That has been the focus of a growing number of specialty courts in recent years.

In 1998, under the direction of the late Honorable Peter Garcia and Honorable Elaine DiMiceli, the 22nd Judicial District Court (JDC) implemented its first specialty court—Drug Court. The purpose of a specialty court is to reduce recidivism (rate of rearrests), transform offenders into productive citizens, and reduce costs associated with incarceration. The recidivism rate one year after release for a specialty court participant is 14-34% less than the rate for an incarcerated individual.

Specialty courts can provide a substantial benefit for taxpayers. Funding a specialty court participant costs taxpayers approximately $3,000 less than for an incarcerated individual. The 22nd JDC, which presides over St. Tammany and Washington parishes, leads the state with the most specialty courts: Adult Drug Court, Sobriety, Behavioral Health, Family Preservation, Reentry, Assistive Outpatient Treatment and Veterans.

Under the leadership of the Honorable Raymond Childress, the 22nd JDC Veterans Court program began in 2017. It is a voluntary, specialty court program developed to help veterans address substance abuse and mental illness, be diverted from prison or jail, and gain a more satisfying, law-abiding life. The program aims to promote self-sufficiency through employment, education and total abstinence from drugs and alcohol by providing justice-involved veterans with individualized treatment.

In January 2024, judicial leadership will be passed to the Hon. Richard Swartz with Judge Childress' retirement. The 22nd JDC is fortunate to have so many dedicated judges who volunteer their time in addition to their already lengthy dockets.

“In the six years we have been conducting Veterans Court, I have been blessed to see lives turned around, families restored, and men and women renewing their commitment to themselves and society,” Childress said. “We try to convince each veteran that comes into our program that we have their best interest at heart. Often, that can take some time. But, when it does happen, we start to sense the veteran gaining traction and making progress. That is what we desire to see from all the veterans we have the privilege to serve.”

The Veterans Court team includes the presiding district judge, specialty court coordinator, assistant district attorney, defense attorney, case manager, probation officer, Veterans Court military liaison, treatment professionals, and U.S. Veterans Administration judicial outreach representative. Apart from the case manager, members of the team volunteer to take on this additional duty without extra pay, and several members of the team are themselves veterans.

The Northshore Court Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports all the specialty court programs through public education and fundraising, can supply the Veterans Court program with funds not available through grants. The funds originate from community organizations and citizens. They support incentive programs and provide relief for veterans and their families during times of emergency.

The district attorney determines eligibility for the Veterans Court program. Participants must be a veteran of the U.S. armed forces and to have no record of violent crimes or sex offenses. The eligible veteran then undergoes a substance abuse and mental health evaluation. Once these steps are completed satisfactorily, the veteran can begin the program.

Veterans Court is a highly disciplined, phase-structured model that coordinates evidence-based practices and the need for medically assisted treatment. The five phases systematically address veterans’ needs with stabilization and detoxification, intensive outpatient treatment, group counseling, regular court appearances, relapse prevention and transition. Transition includes an additional emphasis on social reintegration, employment, education, job training, housing services and additional social services.

Veterans Court requires a lengthy commitment and a high degree of accountability among veterans. A minimum of 18 months of participation and successful fulfillment of all phases is required for completion of the program. Compliance mandates include random alcohol and drug screening, regular appearances in court and support groups. Occasionally, incentives and sanctions are directed as needed to encourage positive growth and reform stalled or regressive behaviors.

In addition to recidivism, the Veterans Court team also measures success with recovery and reunited families. When individuals recover, families recover, and therefore the community recovers.

“I consider myself fortunate to be a part of this life-changing program,” said Case Manager Kathryn Morris, who works with each veteran throughout their participation in the program. “Observing the progression these veterans make is gratifying. Not each veteran advances through the program at the same rate. Some are resistant to starting while others are ready to make a change in the way their life is going. Some make huge strides in the beginning while others move more slowly. The individualized nature of the program allows each veteran to be successful if they put in the work.”

The coordination of care is governed by the Veterans Court team and often includes community partners such as Florida Parishes Human Services, NAMI St. Tammany, Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Veterans Administration, Covington Behavioral Health, Longbranch Health and Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous.

These organizations help veterans acquire physical and/or mental health treatment to cope with co-morbidities, substance use disorder, military sexual trauma, mood disorders, complex trauma, anxiety disorders, traumatic brain injury and contemplated or attempted suicide.

In general, these issues are present in all of society; however, the common thread here is that they are directly connected to participants’ military service. Employing treatment specifically geared toward veterans, like veterans-only therapy groups and VA channels of supplemental care, enhances chances for success. Representatives from the LA Workforce Commission and Upward Bound, are available to assist veterans seeking educational and vocational opportunities.

“The 22nd JDC Veterans Court program is truly unique in the fact that there is such a sense of camaraderie and fraternity among the participants,” said Coordinator Shannon Hattier. “Through my exit interviews, many have commented that this feels like a family and community of support. You do not typically hear that in a court-mandated program. What further enhances that is our mentor component.”

The Mentor Program distinguishes the Veterans Court from other specialty courts. Each participant is assigned a mentor (also a veteran) who gives support, guidance and friendship. Mentors stand with their veterans during court appearances and help them to connect with support services. They stay current on the participants’ progress and offer suggestions on ways to meet the challenges of setting priorities, time management and satisfying program commitments.

“A mentor builds a supportive and trusting relationship with the participant,” said Veterans Court Military Liaison Mike Cushman, Brig. Gen. USAF (Ret.) “Trust and compassion are vital components of the Mentor’s assignment. Trust is earned through genuine interest in the participant’s wellbeing; compassion stems from the shared experience of military service.”

Graduation ceremonies are hosted by the Veterans Court team for participants who have recently completed the program. There have been six ceremonies honoring the 59 veterans that have completed the program. A ceremony allows graduates to reflect on their journey and a sense of finality that this chapter of their life is closed and another, brighter one is beginning. It also gives newer participants a chance to see what a difference the program can make and the final goal to look forward to.

“I am always moved by our graduation ceremonies when we acknowledge the accomplishments of our participants,” Morris said. “My job function is to help people change their lives for the better. It’s tremendously rewarding. Not everyone can say that about their job.”

Program graduates have reported significant improvements in their family situation, overall quality of life and improved relationships among themselves and others. Some graduates have returned to Veterans Court to be mentors.

“Veterans Court not only gave me an opportunity to stay out of prison, but it also taught me how to live life again with accountability and purpose,” said a successful graduate. “What I thought was a team of people out to scrutinize my shortcomings was actually a brilliant team of experts insistent upon my success. With their help, I addressed my failures and got the help I needed to return to a life of integrity and service. I will always be grateful for the opportunity and thankful for those men and women who went out of their way to help me.”

From parades and festivals to more somber ceremonies, the people of St. Tammany have a rich history of honoring their veterans. And while many save their celebrations and remembrances for holidays such as Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day and Veterans Day, this community supports veterans year-round by supporting the 22nd JDC Veterans Court program. Donations to the Northshore Court Foundation, earmarked for Veterans Court, are an investment in serving those who have served.